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Ron is a traditional First Nations administrator and historian who lives in Hesquiaht, BC. Which Way Should I Go? is a collaboration with author Sylvia Olsen, and tells the story of a young boy who must deal with the death of his grandmother. The song sung by the boy and his grandmother is based on one that came from Ron's own grandparents.
BOOKS:
Which Way Should I Go? (Sono Nis, 2007) $19.95 978-1-55039-161-9
[BCBW 2008] "Kidlit"
BOOKS:
Which Way Should I Go? (Sono Nis, 2007) $19.95 978-1-55039-161-9
[BCBW 2008] "Kidlit"
Articles: 1 Article for this author
Which Way Should I Go?
Press Release (2009)
Which Way Should I Go? Honoured by First Nation Communities Read Program
The First Nation Communities Read program is delighted to announce that Which Way Should I Go? is the book the Ontario First Nation public library community has decided to honour as the 2009 First Nation Communities Read selection.
Which Way Should I Go?, written by Vancouver Island author Sylvia Olsen with Ron Martin, illustrated by Kasia Charko and published by Sono Nis Press is a story inspired by Ron Martin's memory of a song and dance he and his siblings learned from their grandparents. Together, Olsen, Martin, and Charko draw readers into the loving relationship young Joey has with his grandmother. Singing and dancing, Grandma teaches Joey about choices, attitude, and decision-making. With Grandma, Joey joyfully embraces the choices he faces each day. However, when Grandma becomes ill and dies, Joey feels alone and betrayed - until he realizes how well Grandma has prepared him. He can be sad and angry or he can honour Grandma by practicing her teachings. There is a choice and he is responsible for making it!
A six-member jury of First Nation librarians, supported by Southern Ontario Library Service, made the 2009 First Nation Communities Read selection from 31 titles submitted by 16 publishers. Jury members commended Which Way Should I Go? for its intergenerational appeal, the power of the lesson within its story, and illustrations that convey the look and spirit of life in a contemporary First Nation community.
The First Nation Communities Read program, launched in 2003 is the Ontario First Nations public library community's contribution to the popular community reading movement. Through its featured titles, First Nation Communities Read encourages family literacy and intergenerational storytelling, and promotes the publication, sharing, and understanding of aboriginal voices and experiences.
-- Sono Nis Press
